The icons of Onufri and Shpataraku attract tourists, interest in the Museum of Medieval Art in Korçë grows

The National Museum of Medieval Art in Korçë continues to remain one of the most important destinations for cultural tourism in Albania, attracting thousands of local and foreign visitors.

During the first six months of the year alone, around 16,000 tourists visited the institution, with the majority being foreign visitors. The museum has become an important stop for tourists seeking to learn more about the history, iconography, and cultural heritage of Korçë.

The director of the National Museum of Medieval Art, Fjoralba Prifti, says that foreign tourists’ interest in the museum’s collection is continuing to grow.

“Visitors are numerous, with a larger number coming from France, Italy, and Germany, who are increasingly interested in getting to know our collection. Around 16,000 visitors have come to the museum from January to June. We expect this number to increase further. When tourists visit Korçë, they come to the museum, which is recognized nationally and also collaborates with travel agencies,” says Fjoralba Prifti.

Among the visitors was Anastasia from Ukraine, who, together with her husband of Albanian origin, visited the museum to learn more closely about the icon collection and the history of the country.

“My name is Anastasia and I come from Ukraine. This is our first time in Albania. It is a very, very beautiful country. My husband has Albanian roots. His mother and grandfather are of Albanian origin. Many years ago, they moved to Istanbul. Now my husband wants to learn more about Albania and get to know this country. He is also learning the Albanian language. We really like Albania. The museum is very beautiful, with a rich and very interesting history. We really enjoy visiting museums,” says tourist Anastasia Kuçukbukucu.

Her husband, Aytek Kuçukbukucu, also shared his emotions from the visit to the city of Korçë, where his family has its roots.

“For the first time, we are in Albania, and we really like the city of Korçë. My great-grandfather was born in Korçë, and my father’s grandmother was also born in Korçë. Around 100 years ago, they emigrated to Turkey. I still speak Albanian. Korçë is very beautiful, and we want to come here again. The people are wonderful, and I really liked the museum,” says tourist Aytek Kuçukbukucu.

The National Museum of Medieval Art manages more than 8,000 cultural heritage objects, including thousands of icons created from the 13th century to the 20th century, as well as liturgical objects with rare historical and artistic value.

The collection includes works by renowned Albanian iconographers such as Onufri and Kostandin Shpataraku. During the tourist season, the museum welcomes organized groups and individual visitors from different countries around the world.

“KORÇA BOOM”